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Actually, had the Steelers not drafted Ben in 2004, they likely would have taken Steven Jackson from what I remember. That would have given them a great running game, but still lacking at QB. They would have finished much worse than they did that season, and they probably would have picked Aaron Rodgers in the 2005 draft as he went plummeting through the first round (I can make this assumption based on the fact that Ben was indeed drafted just a year before, so obviously the team was on the lookout for top QB talent). We then wouldn't have Heath Miller.

Rumors have it that Cowher was enamoured with Shawn Andrews in 2004.

In order to draft Rodgers in 2005, we would have had to trade up (we took Heath at #30; Rodgers went to Green Bay at #24). We would have needed to give up our 3rd round pick to move up into that area (which means no Trai Essex either...heartbreaker, I know).

The offense left points on the field and Ben threw a pick 6 that ended any attempt at a come from behind win...

There is plenty of blame to go around...

With all that said, that game was very much to be had if Ben would have made a few more plays, plays that I would expect an "elite" QB to make. At the very least that game should have been 27-22 victory STEELERS..... You think the bronco fans are discussing their defensive inefficiencies right now. Their defense sure did leave a lot to be desired. No, bronco fans ain't worrying about their defense. Why? Because they have PEYTON MANNING! A truly an ELITE QB! If we had one of those, we would be worrying about our defense either....

In order to draft Rodgers in 2005, we would have had to trade up (we took Heath at #30; Rodgers went to Green Bay at #24). We would have needed to give up our 3rd round pick to move up into that area (which means no Trai Essex either...heartbreaker, I know).

According to the way it played out, we would have had to move up, but like I said...I don't expect we would have gone 15-1 without Ben, so the draft position would have been much lower to begin with.

According to the way it played out, we would have had to move up, but like I said...I don't expect we would have gone 15-1 without Ben, so the draft position would have been much lower to begin with.

No, we wouldn't have gone 15-1. Tommy got hurt and I doubt whoever the next backup was at the time would have done much (they typically don't). That said, Tommy would have been back the next year and Cowher would probably have wanted to take a later round QB to try and groom, not Rodgers.